NSCDC Niger: Custody Deaths Investigation Launched After 40 Fatalities

• Forty suspected illegal miners died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
• The NSCDC initially cited a suspected disease outbreak, while Niger State Governor Umar Bago confirmed 37 deaths and ongoing forensic examinations.
• The Federal Government suspended Niger State NSCDC commandant Suberu Aniviye and ordered a full investigation.
• Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar demanded independent, transparent investigations and full accountability for those responsible.
• The official cause of death for the detainees has not yet been established.

No Nigerian should enter government custody and lose the most basic right of all: the right to life.

A significant incident involving the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has drawn national attention following the deaths of 40 individuals suspected of illegal mining while in the agency's custody. The fatalities occurred after enforcement operations conducted by the NSCDC on September 15 and 16 in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state, leading to the arrest of these individuals.

Reports indicate that some of the detained suspects were discovered dead in the early hours of a Thursday. The NSCDC's state command initially attributed these deaths to a suspected disease outbreak. Following the discovery, the bodies were transported to the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to ascertain the precise cause of death.

Niger State Governor Umar Bago later confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners had died in NSCDC custody. He further stated that comprehensive forensic examinations, medical assessments, and autopsies were actively being conducted to establish the definitive cause of these tragic deaths. While unconfirmed reports have surfaced suggesting potential issues such as overcrowding and inadequate ventilation, authorities maintain that conclusive findings await the completion of ongoing investigations and medical examinations.

In response to the grave incident, the Federal Government swiftly moved to suspend Suberu Aniviye, the then Niger State NSCDC commandant, and initiated a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. This decisive action underscores the seriousness with which the government is treating the matter of custodial deaths and the imperative for accountability within its security agencies.

Concurrently, the NSCDC has established its own investigative team. This team is tasked with a thorough examination of several critical aspects: the condition of the suspects at the time of their arrest, the duration of their detention, the specific conditions under which they were held, and the extent of medical attention provided to them during their custody. Despite these efforts, the official cause of the deaths remains undetermined as investigations continue.

The incident has prompted strong calls for accountability from prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is also a 2027 ADC presidential candidate. In a statement posted on X on Friday, Abubakar expressed profound disturbance over the deaths, emphasizing that all individuals in government custody, regardless of the allegations against them, are entitled to protection and dignity. He asserted that no Nigerian should enter state custody only to lose the fundamental right to life.

While commending the Federal Government for the prompt suspension of officers and the order for an investigation, Abubakar stressed that these initial steps must not be the end of the process. He demanded that the investigation be independent, thorough, and transparent, with its findings made public. Furthermore, he insisted that anyone found responsible for the deaths, whether through direct action, abuse, or negligence, must be held fully accountable. Abubakar also conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved families, stating they deserve not just condolences, but the truth, justice, and an assurance that state custody will never equate to a death sentence, urging for the circumstances to be established without delay.

Lawyers should monitor the outcome of this investigation for precedents on state liability, standards of custodial care, and human rights enforcement in Nigeria. The findings could inform advice to clients regarding interactions with law enforcement and potential legal action for wrongful deaths in state custody.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH